West Ham United are close to signing an ‘excellent’ player and are just £3m short of the club’s asking price, according to a recent report.
The Hammers confirmed Luis Guilherme as their first signing on Thursday and it seems Julen Lopetegui is eager to add a second imminently.
The former Real Madrid boss will be eager to return the club back to some form of European competition after missing out in David Moyes’ final season in charge.
Lopetegui is laser-focused on bolstering the squad in time for pre-season, as an update on a rumoured target emerges.
Clik here to view.
West Ham £3m short from signing Vitao
West Ham have been after Internacional centre-back Vitao for the last couple of weeks and submitted a £6.8m bid which got rejected.
The Brazilian outfit are remaining firm in their £10.1m valuation and The Hammers remain keen on signing him, so it’s thought they’ll return with another offer.
Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa have also been linked with the former left-footed defender.
So, sporting director Tim Steidten should meet Internacional’s pricetag imminently and pay the additional £3.3m to avoid losing out.
- READ MORE: West Ham set to advance talks to sign former Barcelona target who is available for £10.1m
South American expert on Vitao’s profile
South American football journalist Nathan Joyes took to X to profile Vitao amid links to the London Stadium.
“West Ham showed interest last week, but now Nottingham Forest are linked with Internacional’s Vitão, Joyes wrote.
“Quick thoughts: Excellent in the air (both ends of the pitch), good reader of the game/blocker, can play out from the back, capable of long passing, fast and tackles very well.
“The 24-year-old centre-back was integral in Inter’s run in the Copa Libertadores last year and the rumoured fee (€4-5m) is very appealing.”
